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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
truth_n saviour_n spirit_n worship_v 2,314 5 9.2452 5 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A65594 One and twenty sermons preach'd in Lambeth Chapel Before the Most Reverend Father in God Dr. William Sancroft, late Lord Arch-bishop of Canterbury. In the years MDCLXXXIX. MDCXC. By the learned Henry Wharton, M.A. chaplain to His Grace. Being the second and last volume. Wharton, Henry, 1664-1695.; White, Robert, 1645-1703, engraver. 1698 (1698) Wing W1566; ESTC R218467 236,899 602

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before_o mention_v that_o be_v unless_o we_o rise_v from_o sin_n to_o die_v again_o last_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n and_o the_o incomparable_a humility_n and_o patience_n of_o christ_n manifest_v in_o his_o suffering_n render_v it_o not_o possible_a not_o fit_a that_o he_o shall_v be_v hold_v of_o death_n he_o die_v not_o for_o his_o own_o but_o for_o the_o sin_n of_o other_o and_o to_o demonstrate_v that_o his_o own_o gild_n draw_v not_o that_o punishment_n upon_o he_o it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n to_o raise_v he_o up_o to_o relieve_v the_o cause_n of_o oppress_a innocence_n and_o not_o suffer_v his_o persecutor_n any_o long_o to_o triumph_v in_o their_o wickedness_n further_o by_o his_o exact_a obedience_n by_o his_o inimitable_a patience_n in_o suffer_v the_o pain_n and_o his_o admirable_a humility_n in_o undergo_a the_o shame_n of_o the_o cross_n he_o do_v deserve_v to_o be_v raise_v up_o that_o as_o he_o have_v humble_v himself_o in_o so_o extraordinary_a a_o manner_n so_o he_o shall_v be_v exalt_v to_o a_o no_o less_o illustrious_a glory_n and_o therefore_o the_o suffering_n and_o humility_n of_o christ_n be_v frequent_o assign_v as_o the_o meritorious_a cause_n of_o his_o exaltation_n it_o be_v long_o before_o prophesy_v of_o he_o psal._n cx_o 7._o he_o shall_v drink_v of_o the_o brook_n in_o the_o way_n therefore_o shall_v he_o lift_v up_o his_o head_n and_o after_o his_o passion_n and_o ascension_n it_o be_v say_v of_o he_o by_o st._n paul_n philip._n ii_o he_o humble_v himself_o and_o become_v obedient_a to_o death_n even_o the_o deash_n of_o the_o cross._n wherefore_o god_n also_o have_v high_o exalt_v he_o the_o first_o step_n of_o his_o exaltation_n be_v his_o resurrection_n which_o therefore_o be_v to_o relate_v to_o both_o those_o part_n of_o his_o humane_a nature_n which_o have_v undergo_v that_o meritorious_a humiliation_n not_o only_o his_o soul_n have_v suffer_v agony_n and_o the_o contradiction_n of_o 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egypt_n and_o that_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n bring_v thou_o out_o thence_o by_o a_o mighty_a hand_n and_o by_o a_o stretch_a out_o arm_n therefore_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n command_v thou_o to_o keep_v the_o sabbath_n day_n as_o the_o jew_n therefore_o date_v their_o seven_o day_n for_o ever_o from_o that_o day_n of_o their_o deliverance_n out_o of_o egypt_n so_o the_o apostle_n begin_v and_o the_o church_n have_v to_o this_o day_n continue_v to_o date_n their_o seven_o day_n from_o the_o day_n upon_o which_o their_o redemption_n be_v complete_v a_o redemption_n so_o far_o great_a than_o that_o give_v to_o the_o jew_n from_o the_o bondage_n of_o egypt_n that_o well_o may_v the_o day_n institute_v in_o remembrance_n of_o their_o deliverance_n give_v way_n to_o the_o day_n celebrate_v in_o honour_n of_o our_o redemption_n this_o change_n therefore_o be_v make_v by_o the_o apostle_n immediate_o upon_o the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o even_o before_o his_o ascension_n and_o so_o no_o doubt_n by_o his_o personal_a direction_n and_o approbation_n for_o all_o the_o religious_a assembly_n we_o find_v of_o they_o both_z before_z and_o after_o his_o ascension_n be_v upon_o the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n that_o so_o as_o the_o jew_n acknowledge_v their_o belief_n in_o god_n the_o creator_n of_o the_o world_n by_o celebrate_v one_o day_n in_o seven_o and_o manifest_v their_o worship_n of_o that_o god_n who_o bring_v they_o out_o of_o egypt_n by_o solemnize_n for_o ever_o that_o seven_o day_n in_o which_o he_o bring_v they_o out_o so_o we_o christian_n shall_v declare_v that_o we_o worship_v the_o same_o god_n the_o creator_n of_o the_o world_n by_o celebrate_v one_o day_n in_o seven_o and_o also_o manifest_a that_o we_o worship_v he_o in_o and_o through_o jesus_n christ_n by_o sanctify_v for_o ever_o that_o seven_o day_n upon_o which_o the_o great_a and_o last_o act_n of_o our_o redemption_n wrought_v by_o he_o be_v perform_v which_o be_v therefore_o in_o 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stone_n last_o by_o the_o merit_n or_o gild_n of_o the_o soul_n the_o body_n will_v be_v hereafter_o either_o save_v or_o condemn_v if_o then_o all_o the_o blessing_n of_o heaven_n be_v primary_o bestow_v upon_o the_o soul_n if_o this_o be_v the_o only_a receptacle_n of_o moral_a virtue_n and_o divine_a grace_n if_o the_o son_n of_o god_n vouchsafe_v to_o do_v and_o suffer_v so_o much_o for_o the_o salvation_n of_o it_o if_o all_o the_o future_a happiness_n of_o the_o body_n depend_v upon_o the_o well-doing_n of_o the_o soul_n certain_o this_o soul_n deserve_v our_o great_a regard_n and_o consideration_n as_o by_o which_o alone_o we_o obtain_v the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o be_v make_v like_o unto_o he_o by_o imitate_v his_o perfection_n as_o far_o as_o our_o finite_a nature_n will_v permit_v we_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n and_o holiness_n of_o life_n in_o the_o next_o place_n it_o be_v the_o excellency_n of_o our_o soul_n alone_o which_o distinguish_v one_o man_n from_o 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reasonable_a object_n of_o envy_n to_o a_o pious_a unlearned_a christian._n as_o that_o it_o render_v the_o way_n to_o heaven_n infinite_o more_o difficult_a to_o the_o possessor_n of_o it_o expose_v they_o to_o many_o and_o great_a temptation_n not_o common_a to_o all_o other_o person_n but_o chief_o because_o more_o and_o great_a duty_n be_v require_v of_o they_o great_a and_o more_o severe_a punishment_n attend_v the_o neglect_n of_o they_o in_o the_o more_o unlearned_a sort_n god_n require_v no_o more_o than_o a_o hearty_a sincerity_n belief_n and_o sure_a trust_n in_o the_o merit_n of_o a_o crucify_a saviour_n and_o live_v up_o to_o the_o great_a truth_n of_o religion_n and_o principle_n of_o common_a honesty_n in_o they_o he_o willing_o over-seeth_a small_a and_o trivial_a fault_n and_o impute_v not_o error_n to_o they_o unless_o they_o influence_n and_o corrupt_v their_o practice_n but_o of_o the_o more_o learned_a sort_n of_o christian_n he_o require_v right_a notion_n of_o 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which_o rescue_v it_o from_o the_o common_a calamity_n of_o dull_a and_o vile_a matter_n and_o give_v it_o the_o honour_n to_o be_v join_v to_o and_o be_v the_o companion_n of_o a_o most_o excellent_a and_o immortal_a spirit_n and_o so_o far_o be_v this_o body_n from_o receive_v new_a perfection_n in_o this_o life_n that_o it_o continual_o decay_v till_o it_o be_v lay_v in_o ash_n and_o become_v as_o the_o dung_n of_o the_o earth_n none_o yet_o with_o the_o great_a care_n and_o diligence_n can_v give_v beauty_n to_o their_o body_n or_o as_o our_o saviour_n express_v it_o add_v one_o cubit_n to_o their_o stature_n none_o with_o the_o great_a art_n and_o industry_n can_v make_v their_o sense_n more_o quick_a and_o accurate_a but_o certain_o not_o any_o can_v procure_v immortality_n to_o their_o body_n a_o privilege_n which_o natural_o belong_v
nature_n will_v be_v so_o far_o from_o help_v it_o that_o it_o will_v infinite_o aggravate_v the_o sharpness_n of_o its_o pain_n for_o its_o immortality_n will_v render_v they_o eternal_a and_o its_o understanding_n will_v heighten_v the_o sense_n and_o feel_n of_o they_o in_o this_o life_n sinner_n often_o be_v please_v with_o their_o own_o miserable_a condition_n and_o fancy_n themselves_o seat_v in_o paradise_n when_o environ_v with_o pleasure_n and_o glut_v with_o enjoyment_n they_o can_v stifle_v the_o dictate_v of_o their_o conscience_n and_o secure_o make_v use_n of_o their_o imaginary_a happiness_n but_o in_o hell_n their_o fire_n be_v not_o quench_v and_o their_o worm_n die_v not_o the_o sharpness_n of_o their_o torment_n will_v not_o suffer_v they_o to_o rest_n and_o if_o those_o shall_v be_v extinguish_v yet_o will_v they_o still_o be_v torment_v with_o a_o inward_a fire_n so_o much_o the_o more_o violent_a because_o than_o they_o will_v be_v certain_o convince_v in_o judgement_n that_o they_o act_v against_o their_o own_o interest_n and_o the_o plain_a rule_n of_o reason_n in_o run_v the_o danger_n of_o eternal_a punishment_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o a_o few_o gross_a and_o trifle_a pleasure_n we_o may_v next_o consider_v the_o peculiar_a influence_n of_o that_o sin_n which_o our_o saviour_n here_o chief_o intend_v this_o be_v the_o sin_n of_o apostasy_n or_o denial_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n against_o which_o christ_n fore-arm_n his_o follower_n by_o inculcate_v this_o necessary_a truth_n of_o prefer_v the_o good_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o those_o of_o the_o body_n for_o this_o foul_a sin_n be_v ever_o commit_v for_o some_o temporal_a end_n be_v too_o odious_a to_o recommend_v itself_o without_o some_o outward_a advantage_n man_n deny_v not_o their_o god_n out_o of_o a_o dislike_n or_o disbelief_n of_o he_o but_o to_o secure_v to_o themselves_o a_o fortune_n in_o the_o world_n prevent_v some_o inconvenience_n or_o gratify_v some_o lusts._n this_o be_v a_o crime_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n and_o contagion_n with_o idolatry_n under_o the_o old_a law_n for_o to_o worship_v a_o false_a god_n be_v the_o same_o thing_n as_o to_o deny_v the_o true_a one_o and_o the_o first_o can_v be_v do_v without_o the_o latter_a how_o heinous_a god_n account_v this_o appear_v from_o the_o whole_a tenor_n of_o the_o mosaic_a law_n which_o be_v chief_o direct_v against_o this_o sin_n alone_o all_o the_o write_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v employ_v against_o it_o and_o all_o the_o judgement_n which_o god_n ever_o inflict_v upon_o his_o people_n of_o israel_n be_v sole_o owe_v to_o this_o cause_n insomuch_o as_o there_o be_v no_o record_n leave_v in_o sacred_a history_n of_o any_o pardon_n ever_o grant_v to_o the_o commission_n of_o this_o sin_n and_o indeed_o a_o wilful_a apostasy_n from_o the_o true_a religion_n dissolve_v the_o very_a union_n between_o god_n and_o man_n and_o leave_v no_o place_n for_o pardon_n such_o a_o person_n open_o by_o his_o act_n proclaim_v to_o the_o world_n that_o he_o will_v have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o god_n bid_v defiance_n to_o he_o and_o disclaim_v his_o pardon_n it_o will_v prostitute_v the_o divine_a mercy_n and_o make_v it_o cheap_a and_o easy_a to_o bestow_v it_o upon_o such_o execrable_a villainy_n which_o do_v violence_n to_o heaven_n and_o be_v the_o very_a last_o effort_n of_o impiety_n this_o can_v but_o degrade_v the_o soul_n from_o its_o affinity_n to_o god_n and_o debar_v it_o from_o all_o near_a approach_n to_o his_o presence_n we_o can_v hope_v to_o have_v any_o interest_n leave_v in_o god_n after_o a_o denial_n of_o he_o nor_o can_v without_o horror_n entertain_v any_o remembrance_n of_o he_o how_o then_o shall_v we_o make_v our_o soul_n happy_a with_o the_o continual_a meditation_n of_o his_o perfection_n or_o please_v ourselves_o with_o the_o hope_n of_o the_o future_a fruition_n of_o he_o in_o that_o case_n it_o will_v be_v our_o interest_n to_o banish_v all_o thought_n of_o god_n and_o remove_v from_o ourselves_o as_o far_o as_o possible_a all_o consideration_n of_o a_o future_a state_n that_o so_o we_o may_v not_o be_v alarm_v with_o the_o dread_n of_o a_o angry_a god_n and_o the_o terror_n of_o future_a torment_n thus_o a_o denial_n of_o god_n against_o the_o light_n of_o our_o own_o conscience_n do_v not_o only_o render_v we_o unhappy_a but_o cause_v we_o to_o endeavour_v to_o become_v yet_o more_o unhappy_a by_o a_o total_a and_o wilful_a stifle_v of_o all_o thought_n and_o meditation_n of_o god_n in_o which_o alone_a true_a happiness_n consist_v and_o this_o be_v true_a not_o only_o in_o the_o case_n of_o notorious_a apostasy_n when_o any_o one_o open_o renounce_v his_o religion_n and_o deny_v his_o belief_n of_o the_o true_a god_n which_o case_n in_o these_o peaceable_a time_n of_o the_o church_n do_v not_o often_o happen_v but_o also_o in_o the_o commission_n of_o every_o deliberate_a sin_n which_o in_o truth_n be_v a_o no_o less_o formal_a apostasy_n from_o god_n than_o that_o beforementioned_a where_o the_o sinner_n put_v in_o the_o scale_n the_o present_a pleasure_n and_o convenience_n of_o the_o sin_n with_o the_o future_a consequence_n and_o divine_a prohibition_n of_o it_o and_o after_o have_v weigh_v each_o reject_v the_o command_n of_o god_n of_o which_o he_o be_v very_o conscious_a and_o prefer_v the_o present_a satisfaction_n of_o the_o sin_n this_o be_v do_v in_o every_o deliberate_a sin_n and_o this_o be_v indeed_o a_o no_o less_o true_a apostasy_n than_o a_o open_a denial_n of_o god_n for_o this_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v that_o whosoever_o upon_o a_o deliberate_a choice_n prefer_v the_o seem_a pleasure_n of_o any_o sin_n to_o the_o command_n of_o god_n will_v never_o forego_v all_o the_o pleasure_n of_o this_o life_n and_o even_o life_n itself_o in_o obedience_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n it_o remain_v that_o i_o make_v some_o application_n of_o what_o have_v be_v say_v first_o then_o if_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v much_o great_a than_o those_o of_o the_o body_n and_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o soul_n consist_v only_o in_o the_o due_a contemplation_n of_o god_n and_o the_o possession_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n let_v we_o endeavour_v to_o render_v our_o soul_n even_o in_o this_o life_n as_o happy_a as_o we_o possible_o can_v it_o be_v not_o reasonable_a that_o all_o the_o care_n of_o our_o life_n shall_v be_v employ_v in_o provide_v necessary_n or_o rather_o superfluity_n to_o the_o body_n or_o attend_v to_o the_o pleasure_n of_o it_o that_o no_o far_a use_n shall_v be_v make_v of_o the_o soul_n than_o to_o serve_v as_o a_o slave_n to_o the_o body_n to_o heighten_v its_o enjoyment_n and_o refine_v its_o pleasure_n let_v we_o remember_v that_o we_o carry_v about_o with_o we_o a_o more_o noble_a be_v which_o deserve_v our_o care_n in_o the_o first_o place_n and_o can_v be_v neglect_v without_o the_o loss_n of_o happiness_n may_v not_o god_n just_o say_v to_o mankind_n i_o have_v give_v to_o you_o great_a and_o celestial_a soul_n endue_v with_o wonderful_a perfection_n and_o capable_a of_o much_o great_a when_o right_o cultivate_v your_o body_n i_o form_v from_o the_o clay_n of_o the_o earth_n but_o your_o soul_n i_o send_v down_o from_o heaven_n the_o one_o i_o permit_v to_o return_v to_o corruption_n but_o the_o other_o i_o have_v invest_v with_o immortality_n how_o just_o may_v i_o expect_v that_o you_o will_v have_v value_v these_o two_o according_a to_o their_o several_a worth_n and_o dignity_n that_o you_o shall_v not_o indeed_o starve_v the_o body_n nor_o tyrannize_v over_o it_o but_o however_o attend_v chief_o to_o the_o concern_v of_o the_o soul_n that_o it_o may_v not_o fall_v short_a of_o that_o happiness_n which_o i_o intend_v for_o it_o nor_o be_v deprive_v of_o those_o spiritual_a enjoyment_n which_o it_o be_v capable_a of_o but_o alas_o man_n be_v turn_v back_o and_o grow_v foolish_a employ_v himself_o with_o all_o his_o diligence_n to_o procure_v pleasure_n for_o his_o body_n rise_v early_o sit_v up_o late_o and_o eat_v the_o bread_n of_o carefulness_n to_o heap_v up_o riches_n for_o the_o continuation_n of_o these_o bodily_a enjoyment_n make_v this_o the_o only_a business_n of_o his_o life_n and_o think_v of_o nothing_o else_o as_o for_o his_o soul_n he_o make_v it_o a_o slave_n to_o his_o body_n refuse_v to_o receive_v direction_n from_o it_o and_o sometime_o forget_v that_o he_o have_v any_o what_o shall_v we_o answer_v to_o these_o expostulation_n of_o god_n i_o fear_v we_o can_v plead_v innocence_n our_o action_n and_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o our_o life_n demonstrate_v the_o contrary_n we_o be_v continual_o busy_a about_o enlarge_a our_o petty_a acquisition_n in_o the_o world_n we_o trouble_v and_o turmoil_v ourselves_o about_o the_o conveniency_n of_o the_o body_n but_o
mankind_n by_o a_o studious_a communication_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o for_o this_o purpose_n it_o be_v at_o first_o act_v in_o the_o city_n in_o the_o solemn_a feast_n and_o in_o the_o public_a place_n of_o judea_n not_o in_o a_o desert_n or_o in_o a_o cell_n not_o spend_v in_o a_o solitary_a retirement_n or_o know_v to_o few_o and_o after_o that_o the_o history_n of_o it_o be_v by_o the_o wise_a direction_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n commit_v to_o write_v whereby_o the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o may_v be_v convey_v to_o all_o age_n and_o nation_n and_o that_o light_a which_o first_o arise_v and_o shine_v in_o a_o small_a corner_n of_o the_o world_n may_v be_v diffuse_v through_o the_o universe_n and_o become_v a_o general_a and_o eternal_a standard_n of_o duty_n to_o all_o mankind_n the_o second_o thing_n propose_v to_o be_v speak_v to_o be_v the_o benefit_n which_o this_o light_n shall_v confer_v upon_o the_o world_n by_o the_o communication_n of_o it_o which_o our_o lord_n express_v in_o the_o latter_a part_n of_o the_o verse_n he_o that_o follow_v i_o walk_v not_o in_o darkness_n but_o shall_v have_v the_o light_n of_o life_n and_o this_o be_v but_o a_o natural_a consequence_n for_o if_o the_o light_n which_o christ_n communicate_v to_o the_o world_n by_o his_o doctrine_n and_o example_n be_v so_o illustrious_a as_o we_o before_o describe_v it_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o man_n who_o obtain_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o one_o or_o imitate_v the_o other_o shall_v still_o continue_v in_o darkness_n in_o the_o same_o ignorance_n and_o error_n in_o which_o he_o be_v before_o involve_v he_o have_v thereby_o his_o mistake_v remove_v the_o measure_n of_o his_o duty_n ascertain_v to_o he_o and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o save_a truth_n convey_v to_o he_o which_o be_v the_o thing_n our_o lord_n chief_o intend_v in_o these_o word_n where_o he_o speak_v of_o the_o perfection_n of_o all_o necessary_a knowledge_n of_o divine_a matter_n which_o he_o will_v communicate_v to_o those_o who_o shall_v put_v themselves_o under_o his_o discipline_n but_o then_o there_o be_v another_o easy_a and_o practical_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n which_o may_v be_v of_o more_o use_n to_o we_o light_a and_o darkness_n in_o scripture_n do_v most_o frequent_o signify_v those_o two_o contrary_a state_n of_o life_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o professor_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o enjoy_v the_o benefit_n of_o this_o reveal_v light_n and_o which_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v lead_v by_o those_o who_o former_o live_v or_o still_o continue_v in_o the_o darkness_n of_o gentilism_n hence_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o disciple_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v often_o call_v the_o child_n of_o light_n and_o that_o state_n of_o sin_n and_o error_n from_o which_o they_o be_v convert_v express_v by_o darkness_n as_o ephes._n v._n 8._o you_o be_v sometime_o darkness_n but_o now_o be_v you_o light_n walk_v as_o the_o child_n of_o light_n and_o in_o many_o other_o place_n and_o all_o sin_n be_v call_v the_o work_n of_o darkness_n as_o rom._n xiii_o 12._o let_v we_o cast_v off_o the_o work_n of_o darkness_n and_o ephes._n v._n 11._o have_v no_o fellowship_n with_o the_o unfruitful_a work_n of_o darkness_n our_o lord_n therefore_o in_o this_o place_n teach_v we_o that_o his_o true_a disciple_n they_o who_o follow_v the_o conduct_n of_o his_o light_n walk_v in_o the_o right_a way_n cast_v off_o the_o work_n of_o darkness_n and_o be_v direct_v into_o and_o follow_v the_o path_n which_o lead_v unto_o life_n many_o sin_n to_o which_o they_o be_v before_o subject_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o their_o ignorance_n occasion_v by_o the_o darkness_n of_o their_o mind_n they_o know_v they_o not_o to_o be_v sin_n their_o judgement_n which_o be_v the_o natural_a light_n of_o man_n can_v not_o direct_v the_o will_n aright_o or_o betray_v it_o to_o a_o wrong_a choice_n even_o when_o it_o be_v dispose_v aright_o and_o as_o reason_n will_v resolve_v to_o follow_v the_o direction_n of_o the_o judgement_n a_o miserable_a state_n indeed_o when_o man_n be_v willing_a to_o perform_v their_o duty_n and_o know_v it_o not_o the_o unhappiness_n of_o which_o our_o lord_n fit_o describe_v matth._n vi_o 23._o if_o therefore_o the_o light_n that_o be_v in_o thou_o be_v darkness_n if_o thy_o judgement_n be_v corrupt_v with_o error_n or_o ignorance_n of_o thy_o duty_n how_o great_a be_v that_o darkness_n from_o this_o unhappiness_n our_o saviour_n full_o free_v his_o disciple_n by_o teach_v they_o all_o necessary_a truth_n by_o inform_v their_o judgement_n by_o set_v their_o duty_n in_o a_o full_a light_n whereby_o if_o they_o will_v use_v any_o ordinary_a diligence_n they_o can_v not_o mistake_v in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o practice_n of_o it_o further_o these_o work_n of_o darknse_n even_o among_o the_o gentile_n much_o less_o among_o christian_n proceed_v not_o always_o from_o the_o defect_n of_o judgement_n from_o the_o ignorance_n of_o duty_n but_o more_o ordinary_o from_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o will_n be_v act_v against_o the_o dictate_v of_o conscience_n and_o know_v to_o be_v sin_n while_o act_v yet_o fit_o call_v the_o work_n of_o darkness_n because_o as_o our_o lord_n tell_v nicodemus_n john_n iii_o 20._o every_o one_o that_o do_v evil_a hate_v the_o light_n neither_o come_v to_o the_o light_n lest_o his_o deed_n shall_v be_v reprove_v there_o be_v a_o natural_a detestation_n of_o sin_n when_o know_v to_o be_v such_o in_o all_o man_n which_o make_v the_o most_o profligate_v man_n desire_v their_o sin_n may_v be_v conceal_v from_o the_o knowledge_n of_o other_o not_o consider_v perhaps_o as_o they_o seldom_o give_v themselves_o time_n to_o consider_v that_o they_o can_v escape_v the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n this_o corruption_n of_o the_o will_n which_o occasion_n such_o work_n of_o darkness_n christ_n have_v also_o provide_v for_o and_o remove_v by_o propose_v such_o argument_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n as_o if_o serious_o reflect_v on_o can_v fail_v to_o persuade_v by_o rectify_v the_o judgement_n and_o thereby_o influence_v the_o will._n for_o beside_o the_o external_a argument_n of_o our_o obligation_n to_o god_n and_o our_o own_o interest_n concern_v in_o it_o every_o part_n of_o our_o duty_n when_o right_o understand_v carry_v internal_a and_o powerful_a argument_n of_o persuasion_n with_o it_o further_o this_o sentence_n of_o christ_n may_v be_v of_o use_n to_o we_o to_o the_o discover_v the_o true_a follower_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o the_o make_v a_o right_a estimate_n of_o our_o own_o as_o well_o as_o other_o relation_n to_o christ._n for_o as_o he_o that_o follow_v this_o light_n can_v walk_v in_o darkness_n so_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o he_o who_o walk_v in_o darkness_n shall_v follow_v this_o light_n it_o be_v former_o the_o condemnation_n of_o the_o jew_n that_o light_n come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o man_n love_v darkness_n rather_o than_o light_v because_o their_o deed_n be_v evil_a they_o retain_v their_o infidelity_n and_o reject_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n because_o contrary_a to_o their_o belove_a lust_n and_o vice_n and_o it_o be_v now_o the_o condemnation_n of_o as_o many_o christian_n that_o profess_v to_o follow_v the_o light_n they_o still_o walk_v in_o darkness_n that_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o all_o that_o knowledge_n which_o by_o christianity_n be_v confer_v to_o they_o they_o practise_v the_o same_o vice_n which_o the_o gentile_n and_o infidel_n be_v guilty_a of_o betray_v to_o they_o by_o their_o ignorance_n and_o blindness_n who_o nevertheless_o call_v themselves_o the_o son_n of_o light_n pretend_v to_o be_v the_o disciple_n of_o the_o author_n of_o it_o and_o to_o have_v a_o near_a relation_n to_o he_o of_o such_o st._n john_n have_v pronounce_v 1_o john_n i._n 6._o if_o we_o say_v that_o we_o have_v fellowship_n with_o he_o and_o walk_v in_o darkness_n we_o lie_v and_o do_v not_o the_o truth_n and_o indeed_o if_o the_o light_n of_o heaven_n be_v not_o intend_v only_o to_o gaze_v upon_o and_o please_v the_o eye_n of_o man_n if_o much_o less_o the_o light_n of_o the_o soul_n the_o doctrine_n and_o truth_n reveal_v by_o christ_n be_v not_o intend_v mere_o to_o promote_v the_o speculation_n and_o gratify_v the_o fancy_n of_o man_n if_o a_o rational_a and_o virtuous_a conduct_n of_o life_n be_v the_o natural_a effect_n of_o a_o sound_a judgement_n and_o accurate_a knowledge_n of_o duty_n and_o the_o argument_n enforce_v it_o it_o be_v but_o a_o natural_a consequence_n that_o this_o light_n wheresoever_o it_o be_v find_v shall_v exert_v and_o discover_v itself_o in_o action_n conformable_a to_o it_o but_o it_o be_v absurd_a to_o pretend_v that_o light_n have_v there_o any_o influence_n where_o the_o work_n of_o darkness_n be_v perform_v or_o that_o two_o such_o contrary_n
upon_o his_o constant_a guard_n lest_o he_o shall_v at_o any_o time_n be_v surprise_v and_o sure_o a_o surprise_n be_v hard_o to_o be_v avoid_v where_o so_o many_o passage_n must_v be_v guard_v when_o the_o enemy_n may_v enter_v in_o by_o the_o sense_n or_o imagination_n by_o the_o operation_n of_o external_a object_n or_o the_o suggestion_n of_o internal_a thought_n and_o all_o these_o as_o numerous_a and_o various_a as_o be_v the_o object_n from_o whence_o they_o proceed_v or_o about_o which_o they_o be_v employ_v scarce_o in_o the_o best_a of_o man_n may_v we_o not_o discover_v some_o passion_n predominant_a to_o the_o rest_n and_o which_o may_v he_o be_v allow_v to_o indulge_v he_o will_v confident_o undertake_v for_o the_o good_a behaviour_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n but_o this_o liberty_n christianity_n deny_v to_o he_o enjoin_v he_o a_o universal_a conquest_n of_o all_o his_o passion_n a_o general_a performance_n of_o the_o whole_a will_n of_o god_n forbid_v the_o omission_n of_o any_o one_o duty_n upon_o pain_n of_o incur_v the_o gild_n of_o all_o and_o this_o be_v true_o so_o great_a a_o difficulty_n that_o we_o need_v not_o seek_v any_o far_a reason_n why_o the_o best_a christian_n of_o all_o age_n be_v but_o hardly_o save_v i_o proceed_v to_o the_o difficulty_n peculiar_a to_o the_o latter_a age_n of_o christianity_n and_o which_o more_o near_o concern_v we_o i_o will_v mention_v but_o two_o 1._o the_o want_n of_o a_o universal_a example_n and_o 2._o the_o want_n of_o miracle_n by_o these_o the_o ancient_a christian_n convert_v the_o heathen_a world_n and_o through_o want_n of_o these_o we_o be_v almost_o return_v to_o heathenism_n it_o can_v not_o but_o be_v a_o powerful_a argument_n of_o virtue_n to_o all_o ingenuous_a man_n when_o they_o can_v not_o so_o much_o as_o retain_v the_o character_n they_o have_v undertake_v without_o a_o diligent_a exercise_n of_o piety_n when_o to_o be_v a_o vicious_a christian_a be_v to_o be_v a_o monster_n in_o the_o account_n of_o the_o world_n when_o vice_n be_v a_o singularity_n and_o dissent_n from_o all_o other_o of_o the_o same_o denomination_n whereas_o in_o latter_a age_n the_o whole_a have_v be_v invert_v the_o character_n universal_o retain_v without_o any_o regard_n to_o the_o condition_n of_o it_o a_o pious_a christian_a must_v dissent_v in_o the_o course_n of_o his_o life_n from_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n and_o virtue_n be_v become_v a_o singularity_n inasmuch_o as_o what_o can_v be_v sufficienty_n lament_v many_o ingenuous_a mind_n have_v be_v betray_v to_o sin_n to_o which_o otherwise_o they_o be_v not_o incline_v lest_o they_o shall_v appear_v uncivil_a and_o morose_a and_o when_o unlawful_a custom_n can_v acquire_v the_o esteem_n of_o civility_n among_o christian_n we_o can_v but_o confess_v a_o extreme_a degeneracy_n of_o the_o true_a spirit_n of_o christianity_n it_o may_v true_o be_v say_v of_o example_n in_o general_a that_o they_o have_v more_o influence_n upon_o the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n than_o reason_n or_o argument_n man_n of_o ordinary_a capacity_n such_o as_o make_v up_o the_o body_n of_o christendom_n take_v their_o measure_n of_o christianity_n from_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o professor_n of_o it_o as_o man_n do_v of_o the_o law_n of_o any_o country_n from_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o court_n of_o justice_n and_o will_v hardly_o be_v persuade_v that_o christianity_n be_v so_o severe_a and_o serious_a a_o matter_n when_o they_o perceive_v the_o far_o great_a part_n of_o christian_n trifle_n with_o it_o it_o be_v natural_a for_o man_n to_o hope_v for_o impunity_n in_o a_o multitude_n to_o fall_v into_o impiety_n when_o no_o shame_n restrain_v they_o when_o a_o prevail_a example_n lead_v they_o as_o for_o man_n of_o more_o raise_v understanding_n it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v thus_o deceive_v themselves_o about_o the_o obligation_n of_o their_o religion_n yet_o even_o those_o escape_n not_o this_o universal_a contagion_n they_o fear_v to_o be_v account_v singular_a be_v force_v to_o dissemble_v and_o perhaps_o at_o last_o to_o stifle_v their_o knowledge_n as_o not_o be_v able_a to_o withstand_v the_o force_n of_o such_o a_o mighty_a torrent_n this_o difficulty_n receive_v yet_o far_o aggravation_n if_o we_o reflect_v that_o it_o proceed_v from_o our_o own_o gild_n that_o ourselves_o be_v the_o author_n of_o it_o the_o difficulty_n of_o the_o apostolic_a age_n be_v pure_o extraneous_a for_o which_o those_o christian_n be_v not_o accountable_a they_o bring_v not_o their_o persecution_n upon_o themselves_o and_o their_o sin_n commit_v before_o conversion_n can_v not_o afterward_o be_v just_o impute_v to_o they_o as_o christian_n whereas_o this_o disadvantage_n we_o now_o complain_v of_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o our_o sin_n commit_v in_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n to_o which_o every_o one_o of_o we_o have_v contribute_v somewhat_o and_o beside_o the_o internal_a gild_n of_o the_o crime_n commit_v have_v upon_o that_o account_n increase_v our_o sin_n the_o sense_n of_o which_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o motive_n to_o we_o to_o endeavour_v by_o the_o exemplariness_n of_o our_o future_a conduct_n i_o will_v not_o say_v to_o remove_v this_o difficulty_n and_o retrieve_v the_o glorious_a example_n of_o former_a time_n for_o that_o can_v scarce_o be_v hope_v but_o to_o compensate_a the_o injury_n which_o we_o have_v do_v to_o the_o christian_a religion_n by_o our_o sinful_a deportment_n the_o other_o disadvantage_n of_o the_o present_a age_n which_o i_o mention_v the_o want_n of_o miracle_n can_v indeed_o be_v ascribe_v to_o any_o fault_n of_o we_o nor_o yet_o be_v retrieve_v by_o we_o yet_o a_o sensible_a disadvantage_n it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v when_o we_o compare_v ourselves_o with_o former_a time_n who_o faith_n and_o zeal_n be_v constant_o awaken_v keep_v up_o and_o enliven_v by_o the_o frequent_a sight_n of_o miracle_n which_o confirm_v to_o they_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o certainty_n of_o what_o they_o expect_v and_o the_o power_n and_o the_o favour_n of_o that_o god_n they_o worship_v but_o i_o wave_v the_o far_a consideration_n of_o this_o difficulty_n because_o the_o removal_n of_o it_o be_v not_o in_o our_o power_n yet_o this_o use_n we_o may_v make_v of_o it_o to_o take_v occasion_n from_o it_o to_o reflect_v upon_o the_o infinite_a goodness_n and_o most_o wise_a providence_n of_o god_n which_o have_v so_o contrive_v the_o advantage_n and_o disadvantage_n of_o former_a and_o latter_a age_n that_o both_o of_o they_o have_v very_o near_o equal_a assistance_n and_o difficulty_n in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o their_o duty_n that_o so_o he_o may_v without_o derogation_n to_o his_o justice_n perform_v what_o our_o lord_n promise_v in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o housholder_n in_o the_o xx._n of_o st._n matthew_n reward_v those_o who_o he_o have_v call_v in_o the_o eleven_o hour_n equal_o with_o those_o who_o he_o have_v hire_v in_o the_o morning_n who_o have_v bear_v the_o heat_n and_o burden_n of_o the_o day_n which_o the_o father_n general_o expound_v of_o this_o very_a case_n for_o now_o those_o who_o he_o call_v first_o who_o undergo_v such_o grievous_a affliction_n and_o fierce_a persecution_n for_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o faith_n can_v just_o complain_v that_o we_o be_v equal_o reward_v with_o they_o who_o endure_v none_o of_o those_o calamity_n the_o church_n indeed_o in_o latter_a age_n have_v enjoy_v peace_n and_o quiet_n have_v not_o maintain_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n with_o the_o expense_n of_o her_o blood_n so_o neither_o do_v she_o enjoy_v those_o miracle_n with_o the_o sight_n of_o which_o they_o be_v bless_v the_o remembrance_n of_o the_o eminent_a example_n the_o miracle_n and_o the_o suffering_n of_o our_o lord_n be_v yet_o fresh_a in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n the_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v every_o where_o conspicuous_a the_o apostle_n yet_o alive_a who_o speak_v and_o write_v by_o the_o immediate_a impulse_n of_o god_n and_o even_o after_o their_o death_n the_o same_o gift_n and_o miracle_n be_v continue_v till_o peace_n be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n all_o these_o advantage_n we_o want_v which_o they_o enjoy_v peace_n and_o security_n we_o have_v which_o be_v deny_v to_o they_o if_o we_o proceed_v in_o the_o comparison_n we_o want_v also_o that_o glorious_a example_n of_o universal_a piety_n which_o shine_v forth_o in_o their_o day_n but_o then_o on_o the_o other_o side_n we_o enter_v not_o upon_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n with_o the_o same_o prejudices_fw-la and_o habit_n of_o vice_n with_o which_o they_o do_v they_o feel_v not_o the_o mischief_n of_o a_o ill_a example_n prevail_v among_o christian_n so_o neither_o do_v they_o enjoy_v the_o benefit_n of_o a_o christian_a education_n thus_o god_n have_v most_o wise_o in_o all_o age_n make_v